on the watch

on the watch

1. Alternative form of on watch.
   • 1861, George Eliot, Silas Marner, ch. 21:

     "Come into that little brush-shop and sit down, father—they'll let you sit down," said Eppie, always on the watch lest one of her father's strange attacks should come on.

   • 1897, Joseph Conrad, "Karain: A Memoir":

     Even when he eats and sleeps there is always one on the watch near him who has strength and weapons.

   • 1924, "Peasants," Time, 1 Dec.:

     His children, married and single, were ever on the watch for what they could get out of him.

   • 2007, "WEATHER UPDATE," WBBM780.com (Illinois), 2 Dec.:

     The department also notified its Bureau of Forestry and Electricity to be on the watch for ice on trees and power lines.

• on watch